Ride for Tiny Town

04/06/2026

Construction has begun on the next 3 units in Tiny Town!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17KnhEdnfU/

02/16/2026

Follow to learn more about the proposed new legislation we are pushing for. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HTG1uUTxZ/

We are continuing to push for legislation to make cycling safer for all road users. These are not restrictions, they are common sense measures. The 10 mile speed limit is when a cyclist is within 50 ft of pedestrians. Tracking details of what types of bikes are involved in crashes and a task force to study the issues will guide future legislation.

02/16/2026

Did you see any nails or screws on the routes Saturday?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DeQYX6g1V/

Are you a hardware buzzard? Do you pick up nails and screws when you see them on the road if you can do so safely?
Yesterday it was about 100 short roofing screws. About a year ago I picked up a similar quantity of bolts along the section of 70 that we ride. They were strewn over a half mile, so I parked well off the road and walked back facing traffic to pick them up. Strangest thing was a rusty 10+ ft length of coil springs that someone must have strung together to use as a bungee. And I pick up dozens of nylon straps annually to reuse them, but also because I know what it is like to get one wrapped around the spindle of a bush hog mower. Call me a hardware buzzard!

02/14/2026

HEADS UP:
Here's the post about the lane closures on 17S today.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AiUu3YgKg/

NOTICE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION LANE CLOSURES FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026

On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, rotating lane closures will take place throughout the day on southbound U.S. 17 (DeSoto Avenue) at eastbound S.R. 70 (Magnolia Avenue) for City of Arcadia utility work. Truck traffic turning from southbound U.S. 17 onto eastbound S.R. 70 will be detoured onto Pine Street. Trucks will travel Pine Street to northbound U.S. 17 and then back to eastbound S.R. 70. Motorists should follow posted detour signs and use caution, especially near turning trucks.

02/11/2026

FRESH PAVEMENT!

Talked to Justin and Connor, working with Superior Paving. They assured me all crossings on the east side of US 17 will be open by the end of the day. Asphalt trucks have been lining up to pave the section of 70 westbound from Pasco to Volusia. Not 100% sure yet, but looks like the 10 and 20 mile riders will be able to cross Hickory St. at either Hernando or Osceola. We will mark the turn tomorrow.
Thanks guys for the awesome work you are doing to rebuild the main east - west highway through our town.

02/09/2026

Route marks are down!
Thanks to Naomi at Arcadia Vision Ace for the donation of marking spray paint and an applicator wand.
One ride, 5 distances to choose from!

02/09/2026

We are delighted to announce that ALL riders doing the Ride for Tiny Town on Saturday will receive a coupon for a FREE BEER at Three Trees Brewing. Great to have this community partner as a sponsor!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DsQC1PnFZ/

Three Trees Brewing Co. is the only brewery in Arcadia, DeSoto County. This short video shares the origin story. #...

02/08/2026

Valentine's Day cycling event to raise funds for DeSoto Cares Homeless Services

MUST WEAR HELMET
Saturday, February 14
Start time 8:45 a.m.
Ebikes welcome.
(Longer distance rides must register online.)

Mosaic Arena, 2450 NE Roan Street, Arcadia. FL 34266
Register in person Friday noon to 6 p.m. or morning of ride.

10 or 20 mile distance
Safety briefing
Refreshments
Lunch
Entertainment
Route is on public roads and trails.

10 or 20 mile route only $10 per rider

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53180318

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53180417

01/31/2026

Remembering Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Honzs2yLX/

Patrick Should Still Be Here.

First, our hearts are with Patrick’s family and everyone who loved him.

Patrick was not just a name in the news. He was part of our cycling community. He was someone people rode with, talked with, and counted on seeing again.

According to what has been shared publicly, Patrick was riding in the bike lane on El Conquistador in West Bradenton when he was struck and killed by a trailer on a box truck. The incident was described as a hit and run, and the driver was later located through home security footage.

Many people have also reacted strongly to the reported outcome in this case, hearing the driver was fined $1,000 and received a six month license suspension after a bicyclist was killed. Even if that reflects what is allowed under the current legal framework, it feels out of proportion to the harm when a life is taken. This is not about anger or revenge. It is about accountability and prevention.

Because a person should not die because they were riding a bike.

These tragedies are not inevitable. They are preventable.

Florida’s numbers make that painfully clear. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2025 Florida had 9,836 bicycle crashes and 196 bicyclist fatalities. In Manatee and Sarasota Counties, there were 507 bicycle crashes and 5 bicyclist fatalities. Those numbers represent real people, real families, and real loss.

What we need is straightforward.

Safer street design where speed and turning conflicts are high. Drivers slowing down and staying focused, especially at intersections, because far too many drivers are distracted. Education and enforcement that protect vulnerable road users, so the rules on paper translate into safety in real life.

Patrick should still be here. The best way to honor him is to reduce the chance that another family and another riding community experiences this same heartbreak.

Help us in the fight for a safer Florida for everyone on a bicycle. Become a member today: https://floridabicycle.app.neoncrm.com/forms/membership

Or Donate to support statewide education and advocacy: https://floridabicycle.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donate

If you would like, reply with a short memory of Patrick, or one sentence about why you ride. With permission, we will compile them as a community tribute.